Speedybase

FreeBear

bozzy18 said:  They said they would dig down 1 metre deep but holes instead of trenches.  With regard to the steelwork - how are other steelwork is monitored such as RSJs, steel frame build etc - aren't they not easily monitored either?

How deep would conventional foundations have to be ?

If they were of similar depth, and you needed a PWA for them, you'd still want (need ?) a PWA for pits..

Much of the steelwork I have been involved with was shot blasted, sprayed with a zinc rich primer, and then coated with a thick layer of paint. Post installation, a regular schedule of inspection would be undertaken by the customer (it was all industrial stuff).

Doozergirl

If the PWA applies, it applies. Whether you have piles or a trench is totally irrelevant.   The holes they dig are in identical alignment with  traditional trench foundations.  

What makes you believe otherwise?   What do you think is different? 

There are also two versions of this system, one complies to BR for an extension, one does not. The company you are looking at is not the manufacturer, they're using the manufacturer's photos, so I know!   We spoke to them a couple of weeks ago as we're looking to diversify into fully compliant garden rooms, using more modern building methods.  

The actual product is called Durabase.    To meet building regulations, the depth of the footings are dictated by building control, still.  

I'd be careful about what you think you're getting here.  I don't think it's a compliant extension if it's got a lightweight roof as well.  Conservatory companies are renowned for not understanding or complying to the full regulations.  

bozzy18

Doozergirl said:

If the PWA applies, it applies. Whether you have piles or a trench is totally irrelevant.   The holes they dig are in identical alignment with  traditional trench foundations.  

What makes you believe otherwise?   What do you think is different? 

There are also two versions of this system, one complies to BR for an extension, one does not. The company you are looking at is not the manufacturer, they're using the manufacturer's photos, so I know!   We spoke to them a couple of weeks ago as we're looking to diversify into fully compliant garden rooms, using more modern building methods.  

The actual product is called Durabase.    To meet building regulations, the depth of the footings are dictated by building control, still.  

I'd be careful about what you think you're getting here.  I don't think it's a compliant extension if it's got a lightweight roof as well.  Conservatory companies are renowned for not understanding or complying to the full regulations.  

Thanks Doozergirl.
Like I said I don't know anything about buildings stuff but I just imagined that having piles instead of a trench would be less disruptive - less digging thus less ground movement but you say its not so that is something for us to bear in mind.  They said they would dig 1 metre deep holes because of clay and slope.  It would all be verified by building control.

PWA is our primary concern because of our neighbours - knowing them they will try and be as disruptive as possible and make us spend as much as they can!  Scary stories on other posts in the forum worries me!

Thanks for the new name of the base which I will now research into.

Why do you not think it is a compliant extension?  Would like to be clear - why does it matter if it's a lightweight roof as long it is solid and well insulated and building control approved?

wigwam

@bozzy18, did you go ahead with this build? We are just starting to plan an extension and have come across this company and looking for people who have gone ahead. thanks in advance